On 7-4-14, at approximately 2100 hours, officers responded to the area of the 900 Block of Cooper Road reference subjects using illegal fireworks. Officers contacted Genaro Cortes as he was lighting illegal fireworks. Cortez attempted to leave, interferred with the investigation, and was found to be in possession of a loaded semi-automatic handgun which was not registered to him. Cortes was arrested for several weapon violations and delaying a peace officer.

In an effort to address the increase in firearms-related crimes, the Oxnard Police Department launched the Operation Safer and Stronger Initiative, as well as the Firearms Strike Team (FAST) led by the Violent Crimes Unit, to proactively remove firearms from prohibited persons in the City. The objective of the initiative and FAST is to reduce gun-related violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement.